Dera Mandi green belt becomes a haven for illegal construction
The builder mafia has once again raised its ugly head as rampant illegal construction is resulting in complete destruction of the lush green belt of Dera Mandi in South West Delhi.
Hundreds of plots have been illegally carved out by builders and multi-storey buildings are coming up overnight as police and authorities have turned a blind eye to builders flouting government rules and regulations.
Residents say if no timely action is taken the face of Dera Mandi will resemble that of the Aravallis. "The destruction of the Aravallis is one of the reasons for rising pollution in north India and the national capital. We need to urgently stop this illegal construction in this very sensitive area of Dera Mandi which has a fragile ecosystem," said a resident.
Angry residents complain that with active local police connivance multi-storey building are mushrooming in the area as hundreds of trucks can be seen daily dumping concrete ruining the entire green belt. "The local police is actively aiding in illegal construction business and for every truck dumping concrete they charge 1 lakh rupees. Policemen can be seen standing and guarding these illegal sites," alleged another resident.
Dera Mandi is a residential location engulfed with lush greenery and is dominated by farmhouses and independent residences. However, with rampant illegal construction the place is fast turning into a concrete jungle as builders have illegally carved out smaller plots.
Construction of houses in the area, say residents, is strictly guided by Delhi government rules governing farmhouses. "As per rules, farmhouses which are between 2.5 acres and 5 acres can have constructions only up to 3,000 sq meters but what is happening here is that multiple plots are being carved out and sold leading to hectic construction activity," said a local resident.
"Ads have been plastered all over the place for sale of small plots. You call the builder and he will tell you that a small commission to police would allow construction of multi-story building. You can see trucks coming in all day. Despite multiple complaints to the police and local authorities, there has been no action," said another resident.
"There is a blatant violation of all rules. Hundreds of trees have been felled to carve out small plots. The police and local authorities are hand in glove. The rampant construction is visible to all but everyone has turned a blind eye. Our appeals to the government have fallen on deaf ears. The nexus between builders and police is not just thriving but has become more and more blatant. They are making millions and turning the place into concrete hell," said a local who has lived in Dera Mandi for over 20 years.